Sylvania
Township Police want to remind shoppers to be careful leaving stores during
this holiday season.

Monday
night, there was an attempted mugging in the parking lot of the Sylvania
Township Walmart, at the corner of Central and Holland-Sylvania. The
surveillance video shows the suspect hanging out in the lobby of the store,
just before he struck.

Police
say a woman was leaving the store when the suspect came up behind her and tried
to snatch her purse. There was a struggle and the woman screamed, which
attracted a crowd, so the man took off.

Police
say this is considered a crime of opportunity.

"Females
walking with their bag over their shoulder, alone, are going to be a prime
suspect for a person looking for a quick theft," explained Det. Jim Rettig of
the Sylvania Township Police.

The
suspect appears to be in his mid-forties, has a moustache and is about six feet
tall with a thin build. He made his getaway in a four-door, tan-colored Chevy
Lumina.

"Obviously,
the number one thing is to be aware of your surroundings," Det. Rettig warned. "If
something doesn't seem right, wait until you feel comfortable. Go out with a
group of people instead of going alone."

Anyone
who recognizes the suspect is asked to call police at 419-255-2055.